Beltway Bambinos

We attended First Studio at the Kreeger Museum a few weeks ago where children and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculptures, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art, a story and a hands-on art making experience. The workshop fee per child is $7 and adult companions are free. First Studio: An Art Exploration is intended for children ages 3-5. First Studio’s are held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:00am-11:00am.

The theme of the workshop we attended was art and music. The art activity was to play ‘red light, green light’ with music; the kids drew and doodled with various materials and when the music stopped they switched papers and added onto another child’s paper. They repeated this about 5 times (great activity to do at home as well) and at the end each child described what they contributed to one of the pieces. They also made harmonicas out of straws, popsicle sticks and rubber bands which was a good outlet for creativity.

The read aloud was Theodore Goes to the Symphony which our leader read alongside the Grand Piano in the Museum. The story was written in rhyme and was about stage jitters and the unconditional love of children. Kids then were able to choose a musical instrument to play and bring along as the leader showed various works of art that music was present in. The kids were allowed to play the instruments in front of each art piece and practiced making rhythms. There were other guests at the museum not part of the program and I was impressed they allowed the children to play music aloud. The kids stood in front of about 3-4 works of art which was a perfect amount for this age. Parents, however talked to their children about other works as we walked by them or pointed out colorful paintings or famous artists work; Picasso, Cézanne, van Gogh, Monet and more– the collection is quite impressive.

(Pictured: Gene Davis, Untitled)

This museum is tucked away on Foxhall Road, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown DC. We have brought guests to the Kreeger Museum and have always been very impressed with the pieces of art they have in their collection as well as the education program. It’s a great opportunity to expose children to art in an exciting, hands-on environment and helps them develop an appreciation for art.  Bonus: Each time your child attends a First Studio program, he or she receives a sticker. After collecting five stickers, your child will receive a junior membership to The Kreeger Museum and a coupon for one free family visit to the Kreeger.